Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurates 2026 Chikhal Kalo monsoon mud festival

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, officially opened the three‑day Chikhal Kalo Festival 2026 on July 24 in Marcel, near the Shree Devki Krishna Temple. Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant presided over the ceremony, joined by Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, GTDC Chairman Kedar J. Naik, MLA Govind Gaude, GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar and other officials.

During the inauguration, vocalist Mahesh Kale was honored with a Kaavi portrait and performed a devotional set. Earlier activities included a cooking competition and a musical presentation by Tanvi Walawalkar and The Heart of Jogan Band. The festival’s centerpiece, a mud‑play event, is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, celebrating Goan unity and cultural heritage.

Organisers described Chikhal Kalo as a unique monsoon tradition that brings people together across age and community lines, aiming to attract visitors to experience Goa’s distinctive cultural festival.